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‘White-vanned’ man released after protest
View(s):Hundreds of residents from Wanathamulla, Borella took to the streets yesterday, causing heavy traffic on the Baseline Road, after one of their neighbours was reportedly abducted by an unknown group in a van.
Angry residents take to the streets. Pic by Susantha Liyanawatte
As the protest continued throughout the day and gathered momentum, the man, identified as 54-year-old Sunil Samadeera, appeared in Peliyagoda around 5 p.m. He told police he was dropped off by his kidnappers, whom he could not identify as he was blindfolded soon after he was bundled into the van.
Residents said Mr. Samadeera had protested over the relocation of residents in Wanathamulla.
The protestors burnt tyres and chanted slogans, demanding his release.
UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake who was at the protest told the Sunday Times that the release came only because the protestors stayed put throughout the day.
A prominent Colombo district UPFA MP who tried to meet the protesters was jeered by them and forced to beat a retreat.